British intelligence confirms that at least two Russian Gepard-class frigates were damaged in the Caspian Sea as a result of a strike as part of a special operation by the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine.
This was reported by the UK Ministry of Defence, citing intelligence data.
On 6 November 2024, Ukraine allegedly attacked the port of Kaspiysk in Russia with an unmanned aerial vehicle. At the time of the strike, several Russian Navy ships were allegedly in the port, including at least two Gepard-class frigates, which were likely damaged.
The extent of the damage to the ships is unknown, but it is likely that they will be repaired quickly.
‘Russia's Caspian flotilla was probably used for massive attacks on the territory of Ukraine in 2022 and for strikes during 2023-2024. However, it is unlikely that the Russian ships that were damaged during the Ukrainian strike were used for direct attacks on Ukrainian territory,’ the Ministry of Defence said.
Against the backdrop of Russia's low current activity in the Black Sea, this attack demonstrated that Ukraine can strike Russian targets in areas previously considered safe for operations.
The ministry added that the Ukrainian drone most likely flew over a large part of Russia and was not intercepted. Such an attack is likely to cause concern among Russia's political and military leadership.